And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

GENESIS 32:22KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 32:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 32:22 mean?

Genesis 32:22 describes Jacob getting up during the night and taking his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons to cross the ford of the Jabbok River. This verse sets the scene for an important moment in Jacob’s life, as he moves his family during the night to a new location.

Jacob is the main figure here, and he is acting quietly and deliberately, moving his entire household across a shallow part of the Jabbok River. This happens while Jacob is returning to Canaan, anxious about meeting his brother Esau after many years apart. The verse highlights Jacob’s careful planning and the importance of his family as he prepares for a potentially dangerous reunion.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 32:22

  • The word for "ford" is מַעֲבָר (ma'abar), which means a shallow crossing place in a river. This detail shows Jacob chose a specific, practical spot to move his family safely.
  • "Jabbok" is יַבֹּק (Yabboq), the name of the river. The mention of this river is significant because it becomes the setting for Jacob’s upcoming encounter with the mysterious figure later in the chapter.
  • The phrase "eleven sons" uses two words: עַשְׂתֵּי (ashtay, meaning "ten") and אֶחָד (echad, meaning "one"), together making "eleven." This detail reminds the reader that Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son, had not yet been born.

Why Genesis 32:22 matters

  • This verse marks the transition to one of the most dramatic events in Jacob’s life: his wrestling encounter, which happens just after he moves his family across the river.
  • The careful mention of Jacob’s entire household emphasizes the size and importance of his family, showing what is at stake as he faces his brother Esau.
  • The nighttime setting and Jacob’s actions reveal his anxiety and strategic thinking, which help the reader understand his state of mind before the coming events.

Where else these words appear

“Jabbok” Hebrew H2999 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 21:24 And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.
  • Deuteronomy 3:16 And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
  • Judges 11:13 And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

“ford” Hebrew H4569 · used in 11 verses

  • Joshua 2:7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
  • Judges 12:6 Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.
  • Isaiah 10:29 They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

“womenservants” Hebrew H8198 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • 2 Samuel 14:15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

“sons” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.